Tucked away in the heart of New Mexico’s rugged landscape, Borrego Mesa Campground offers a rustic and tranquil retreat for horse campers and adventurers alike. Located near the northern trailheads of the Pecos Wilderness, this primitive campsite is perfect for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience far from the crowds. Though simple in its offerings, the campground provides all the essentials for a peaceful stay, including picnic tables, firepits, and corrals designed to accommodate one or two horses at each site. With its seclusion and proximity to scenic trails, Borrego Mesa is an ideal spot for campers looking to embark on a horsepack or backpacking adventure.
Access to the Pecos Wilderness
One of the standout features of Borrego Mesa Campground is its access to the vast Pecos Wilderness. Situated just south of the campground is the Rio Medio Trailhead, a major gateway for hikers and horse riders venturing into this untouched wilderness area. From the rolling mesas to towering pines, the Pecos Wilderness offers a diverse landscape of rugged beauty. For campers planning to explore the wilderness, Borrego Mesa serves as an ideal basecamp, providing a place to rest before embarking on your journey into the scenic backcountry.
Primitive Camping for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Borrego Mesa is a primitive campsite, favored by those who appreciate the simplicity and solitude of undeveloped camping. While the amenities are minimal, with no potable water, no dump station, and no campground host, this is part of its charm. The campground is primarily used by locals for picnicking, as well as by horse riders and backpackers who stay overnight before setting out on extended treks. While the area offers ample space for trailer or RV parking, it lacks the typical services of more developed campgrounds, making it an ideal destination for those who prefer a more rugged and self-sufficient camping experience.
Rustic Amenities with Space for Horses
At Borrego Mesa, each campsite is outfitted with a small corral suitable for one or two horses, catering to equestrian campers looking to explore the wilderness on horseback. Though the vaulted toilet is currently out of service, campers can still enjoy the convenience of picnic tables and firepits at each site. For those seeking peace and quiet in a less frequented area, Borrego Mesa delivers a true escape into nature with minimal distractions and stunning scenery as your backdrop.
The Ideal Starting Point for Wilderness Exploration
Whether you're picnicking for the day, staying overnight before a long horseback trip, or simply seeking solitude in a peaceful setting, Borrego Mesa Campground offers a perfect starting point to explore the magnificent Pecos Wilderness. Its remote and unrefined nature invites outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the land in its raw and natural state, far from the comforts of modernity. For those willing to embrace the primitive environment, Borrego Mesa provides an unforgettable horse camping experience in the vast, untamed beauty of New Mexico.
Directions:
Twenty miles east of Española NM. To get to Borrego Mesa, take State Road 503 out of Pojoaque through Nambe and Cundiyo. Just past the turn-off to the west to Santa Cruz Lake, you will see the junction with Forest Road 306. Turn right on FR 306. Just after nine miles turn right on Forest Road 435 into the Borrego Mesa campground.
Facilities and Amenities at Borrego Mesa Campground
- Equestrian trails
- Picnic tables
- Firepits
- Small corrals
- Primitive sites
- Space for Trailer/RV camping
- 8 single sites
Cost Details:
- Free to use.
Notes:
- Not reservable.
- Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters: (505) 438-5300
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Carson National Forest - West Fork Rio Santa Barbara
Santa Fe National Forest - North Borrego Trail 150
Santa Fe National Forest - Tesuque Peak via FS-150
Santa Fe National Forest - Norski Loop
Borrego Mesa Campground does not require reservations for overnight accommodations. For more information, please visit their page on Top Horse Trails - Borrego Mesa Campground